Still using the basic T-square miter gauge that came with your table saw? How's that going for you? If it's causing you to think twice about the viability of a table saw as a crosscutting tool, you're not alone. Read on for a few expert opinions on the merits of upgrading table saw crosscutting equipment, courtesy of our friends at the Woodworker's Journal.

Q.I am getting tired of having to reset/recheck my miter gauge every time I get ready to make a new cut. What kind do I replace it with?

A. Simon Watts: " I got so exasperated by the miter gauge that came with my table saw always being a hair out that I had a new one made up by a local machine shop. 90 degrees was the only option and it gave years of accurate, trouble-free service."

A. Lee Grindinger: "If you find yourself making particular cuts frequently, try making sleds. A sled can be made from 1/2" thick sheet stock like MDF to which wood or metal runners are screwed. The runners fit into the grooves in the saw table. To the top side of the sled screw fences, both back and front, that act as guides for your cuts and keep the two halves of your sled together. These fences must extend well above the maximum height of the blade. You can make these sleds for any angle you frequently cut and no shop is complete without one for making 90 degree cuts. Think about versatility when making these sleds. For instance, although you may frequently cut narrow moldings there may be times you'll be handling wider stock so design the sleds to accommodate these times. For the infrequent times you're dealing with oddball angles just stick with your miter gauge, or use one in each groove attached with a straight board, and do your micro adjustments as needed. A sloppy miter gauge can be made to fit the groove more snugly by using a hammer and punch near the edges to widen the metal that fits into the groove."

A. Michael Dresdner: "There are several aftermarket miter gauges that offer accuracy, preset détentes, ease of setup, movable stops, and other bells and whistles. All are more expensive, more accurate, and more fun than the miter gauge that came with your saw. Choose the one whose features you think you'll use, and whose price is within your budget (a much tougher restriction.) You can also opt for a sliding table type miter board, such as a Dubby or a Mule, or make your own miter carriage."

Rockler offer's a number of solutions for an ineffectual "standard-issue" miter gauge. Check out the range of miter gauges and sleds available - there's an option for just about any budget, and any one is just about guaranteed to instantly improve you table saw crosscutting accuracy and speed. For a little more on how after-market miter gauges and sleds improve on the usual miter gauge set-up, read Rockler's "Precision Miter Gauges and Crosscutting Sleds." When you weigh the advantages against the investment, improving on this common weakness of standard table saw equipment turns out to be one of the most cost-effective additions to your shop that you can make.

What People are Saying:

I have been using Rockler for years, your products are always the best that can be purchased and your prices are very reasonable. Ann you have always done your best to make me feel as though I was your very best customer. Thank you for great service."

- Daniel F.

What People are Saying:

I have been using Rockler for years, your products are always the best that can be purchased and your prices are very reasonable. Ann you have always done your best to make me feel as though I was your very best customer. Thank you for great service."